Matthew 6:33 (ESV) 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and will be added to you.
Meditative thoughts: Consider what God reveals about Himself and righteousness through three avenues: His Word, the Sacrament of Holy Baptism and the Sacrament of the Altar. In what ways does my Heavenly Father provide for me physically and spiritually? Matthew 22:37-38 (ESV) “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Meditative thoughts: How does Jesus motivate my love for God and also for my neighbor? What does the Holy Spirit enable me to do that is impossible for me to accomplish on my own? Prov. 3:9-10 (ESV) 9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
Meditative thoughts: How are your bank and credit card statements theological documents that tell who and what you honor? What lesson is God teaching me about giving to Him first? Psalm 51:9-12 9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Meditative thoughts: In what ways does Jesus make this prayer possible? Reflect on the connection joy has with how God deals with my sin? Hebrews 13:16 (ESV) 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Meditative thoughts: What has the Holy Spirit led me to do and later I have seen the sacrifices were well worth it? What might the Holy Spirit be leading me to share now? John 14:1 (ESV) “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”
Meditative thoughts: What have I been trusting or relying upon that fails to bring the peace that God brings? What comfort and confidence does Jesus invite me to have through Him? 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV-84) “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Meditative thoughts: How does my relationship with God keep my view of possessions healthy? Do I handle money in a way that shows God is the real love of my life? John 15:4 (NIV-84) “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
Meditative thoughts: What does God want to accomplish when I remain, live, dwell, lodge, abide in God’s Word? How does God use the Lord’s Supper to feed, nourish and strengthen me? Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Meditative thoughts: Why can I “feel safe” or “confident” when I rely on the LORD and not my own understanding? How does the path Jesus walked impact my faith in how God will guide me? 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Meditative thoughts: What is God looking for in the gifts I give to him? What is the connection between my gifts to God and the attitude of my heart (mind)? |
Walking in the Word |